President John Dramani Mahama has directed the expansion of emergency facilities at four major hospitals as part of renewed efforts to address Ghana’s persistent no-bed syndrome.
The directive was announced on Friday, November 6, 2026, during the 68th Annual General Conference of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA).
The planned expansion will cover Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital, with work expected to begin in 2027.
Under the plan, emergency beds at each facility are expected to represent at least 10 per cent of its functional bed capacity.
At Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the initiative will increase emergency bed capacity from the existing 65 to at least 150 beds.
President Mahama explained that the expansion would be accompanied by additional medical personnel, equipment, oxygen and essential supplies to ensure the facilities can effectively handle emergency cases.
He also announced the immediate opening of the Ghana Armed Forces Critical Care and Emergency Hospital to members of the public to provide additional support for emergency healthcare delivery.
The President further cautioned hospitals against turning away patients in critical condition because of bed shortages. He insisted that every emergency patient must first be assessed and stabilised before any necessary transfer is arranged.
Meanwhile, government has piloted an Integrated Bed Management and Referral Coordination System involving seven major health facilities and the National Ambulance Service to improve emergency referrals and hospital coordination.
